Where to book a Disney Cruise?

[SSLaly]

Hello!!! My family is planning a Disney Cruise possibily in Septemeber, as we will be celebrating my twin niece & nephew (5) as well as my mother's birthday (60). Could you please let me know where have you booked your Disney Cruise, any good deals out there that you can share?

It's 9 of use, 5 adults and 4 kids...any bit of money that we can save is appreciated!!

 

Thanking you in advance!!! Can't wait to sail on a Disney Cruise!

[DisneyKidsDad]

You may want to talk to a travel agent. Sometimes they can offer you onboard credit.

[Scrapnana]

We used a travel agency that specializes in Disney and received a $250 OBC for the 5 of us.

[matondo]

Shop around start with a travel agent, check with on-line travel agencies, we booked through our airline service and got quite a few frequent flyer miles. I doubt you will find a lower price. What you will probably be shopping for is perks, onboard credits, frequent flyer miles, free premium dining etc. Once you book watch to see if the fare drops..it probably won't but it could happen. If it does happen you can contact whomever you used to book your cruise to see if they will give you an onboard credit for the price difference. Good luck!!

[e2011]

This is correct. All travel agents get the same price which is usually the same as booking online. However we always go through a Florida TA which specializes in Disney Cruises and always get some very nice perks. Other cruisers are typically shocked at what we got from our agent! All TA's are not created equal!

[moki'smommy]

! All TA's are not created equal!

 

Absolutely true! They differ in quality of service and perks...and the two are not mutually exclusive. You can get perks from an agency that also gives great service. Remember that an agent/agency that knows what they are doing can get you any OBC or deal that is available thru DCL and then add the agency's perks on top of it!

[Keith1010]

I would get recommendation for a Travel Agent from friends and start with them because they can offer you additional amenities.

 

Keith

[moki'smommy]

I don't know if we are allowed to recommend agencies or agents on the board.

 

However, what I would look for in an agent/agency (and remember that you are choosing both!)...

I want someone with several years of experience as an agent, someone who has personally been on at least one of the ships in the last several years, someone who has personally attended the training that Disney has for agents. I am not in the travel business, so anything I say can be wrong. My understanding is that if ONE agent has attended training, the agency can slap a sign on the door proclaiming themselves to be Disney specialists. Yeah, well if that is a nationwide agency, there may be no one at the local office who knows what they are doing or been anywhere near the ships! I've encountered that at one local office. I'd look for an agency that communicates the way I want to--800 number, e-mail, snail mail, whatever. I like a place with "extended" hours, not just 9-5. I like having agents on salary because that makes each agent "my" agent--all are willing to pull my file and take care of my needs. True, I tend to stick to one person, but when she isn't available, any can help me.

 

The fact that I get an onboard credit is a lovely perk, but what I really get is super service from a great team of agents. When all is going well, a travel agent makes relatively little difference (sorry!). But if I don't know what I'm doing....or if I'm sitting at O'Hare having just been told that my flight isn't departing...or if any of a zillion things go wrong, it's great to have someone who is on "my" side with a lot more experience than I have.

[vbmom87]

OP: The rules of CC do not allow posters to share the name of the travel agent they use. I suggest you google for names of online travel agencies and then check the BBB for a report on the agencies you are interested in. I also google the name of the agency along with the word "reviews."

 

For any travel agency, find out about cancellation fees and change fees.

[Host Mick]

I don't know if we are allowed to recommend agencies or agents on the board.

 

....

 

You're not.

Please review the Guidelines linked to at the top of every page so you don't waste your time with a post that gets poofed.

[GatorMomInNC]

Hello!!! My family is planning a Disney Cruise possibily in Septemeber, as we will be celebrating my twin niece & nephew (5) as well as my mother's birthday (60). Could you please let me know where have you booked your Disney Cruise, any good deals out there that you can share?

It's 9 of use, 5 adults and 4 kids...any bit of money that we can save is appreciated!!

 

Thanking you in advance!!! Can't wait to sail on a Disney Cruise!

 

You can price out your cruise on their website. A TA will not get you a cheaper rate, just maybe an OBC. Look for rates that are IGT, OGT or VGT. These are significantly cheaper and are already being offered on some September cruises. You do not get to pick your cabins (so you may not be near each other) but you get a significant discount on the cruise price. Also, it is all paid in full at booking and non-changeable or refundable, so I would get insurance also.

 

if you have a Target Visa, you can buy Disney gift cards and get 5% off (10% if you have the extra pharmacy rewards discount) and pay for your entire cruise with them saving a lot of money. I've heard of people buying several thousands of dollars in gift cards and using them to pay for cruise.